Access Management Manual December 2003

Transcription

1 Access Management Manual December Texas Department of Transportation Published by the Design Division (DES) All rights reserved

2 Access Management Manual December 2003 Manual Notices

3 Manual Notice To: From: Subject: Manual: Districts and Divisions Ken Bohuslav, P.E. Initial Manual Release Access Management Manual Effective Date: January 1, 2004 Purpose This manual is intended to provide guidance for access location determination and procedures for municipalities to be granted permitting authority to the state highway system. Instructions The access management procedures described in this manual are applicable to all classes of state highways. Contents This manual includes chapters on general access management descriptions, access management criteria, administrative procedures, and reference material. Contact For general comments and suggestions for future revisions of this manual, contact the Design Division, Roadway Design Section. Copyright Notice This Access Management Manual and all future revisions: Copyright 2003 by Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Published by the Design Division (DES) All rights reserved.

6 Chapter 1 Access Management General Section 1 Introduction Section 1 Introduction The access management criteria contained in this manual are applicable to all classes of state highways. This manual also provides a mechanism for municipalities to be granted permitting authority to the state highway system. Municipalities that choose to handle access permitting for state highway system roadways within their jurisdiction can either develop their own access management guidelines or they can adopt the guidelines contained in this manual. Because they have authority to implement subdivision and zoning regulations, municipalities also have the ability to apply a host of access management techniques: shared access, cross access, lot width requirements, driveway throat length, internal street circulation, and general thoroughfare planning. It is through a cooperative relationship between the Department and municipalities that the safety and operational benefits of access management can be fully realized. The following subsection provides an overview of access management and discusses some of its principles. Overview Proper access management assists in protecting the substantial public investment in transportation by preserving roadway efficiency and enhancing traffic safety, thus reducing the need for expensive improvements. Furthermore, access management can significantly reduce traffic accidents, personal injury, and property damage. To appreciate how access management fits into the entire spectrum of the roadway network, one should understand that freeways, arterials, collectors, and local streets serve varying levels of through-traffic movement and access to property (see Figure 1-1). Freeways - provide the highest level of mobility and are intended to carry the greatest amount of traffic at the highest speeds. Accordingly, freeway mainlanes provide no direct access to property and access to the freeway mainlanes is provided only at interchanges and ramps. Arterials - provide the next highest level of mobility and are intended to carry substantial amounts of traffic over relatively long distances and at relatively high speeds. Direct property access may be provided but must be carefully managed to preserve arterial mobility and avoid creating unsafe and congested traffic operations. Collectors - provide lower mobility and are intended to carry lower volumes of traffic at lower speeds. Since most of the trips on collectors are shorter distance local trips, these streets can safely provide a higher amount of property access. Local streets - provide the lowest level of mobility and are intended to provide direct access to properties, preserve the neighborhood environment, and enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety. Access Management Manual 1-3 TxDOT 12/2003

8 Chapter 1 Access Management General Section 2 The Benefits of Access Management Section 2 The Benefits of Access Management Overview Below are some of the benefits that have been realized in communities with effective access management policies: Delaying or preventing costly highway improvements Improving roadway safety conditions (reduced crash rates) Reducing traffic delay and congestion, which has a positive economic effect on market areas (as seen in Figure 1-4) Promoting properly designed access and circulation systems for development Improving the appearance of transportation corridors and increasing the area available for landscaping, which can help attract investment and enhance the image of an area Providing property owners and customers with safe access to roadways Reducing air pollution Making pedestrian and bicycle travel safer. Another significant benefit is that access management requires a more coordinated, longterm approach to land use and transportation; therefore, effective access management promotes intergovernmental cooperation relating to land development and transportation decisions. Effects on Safety More than four decades of research conducted throughout the United States have shown that access management improves roadway safety. These safety benefits are attributable to improved access design, fewer traffic conflict locations, and higher driver response time to potential conflicts. Some key findings on the impacts of arterial access management on safety are summarized below. As access density increases, crash rates increase. Relative increases in crash rates are remarkably consistent among the various studies. Figure 1-2 shows composite crash rate indices derived from the analysis of 37,500 crashes, as compared with a synthesis of previous studies 2. The indices were developed by correlating crash rates with access density - using the crash rates for 10 access points per mile as a base and then averaging crash rates for each access density. For example, these indices suggest that an increase from 10 access points to 20 access points per mile would increase crash rates by roughly 30 percent. Access Management Manual 1-5 TxDOT 12/2003

9 Chapter 1 Access Management General Section 2 The Benefits of Access Management Composite Crash Rate Indices Index: Ratio to 10 Access Points per Mile Access Points per Mile Figure 1-2: Composite Crash Rates Roadways with nontraversable medians are safer at higher speeds and at higher traffic volumes than undivided roadways or those with continuous two-way left-turn lanes (TWLTL). Numerous studies from across the nation have been conducted relating to undivided, TWLTL, and divided roadways with a nontraversable median. Based on studies, it can be concluded that roadways with a nontraversable median have an average crash rate about 30 percent less than roadways with a TWLTL. Table 1-1 summarizes the representative crash rates by median type for urbanized areas. Additionally, where ADT exceeds 20,000 vehicles per day and the demand for midblock turns is high, a raised median should be considered. 3 Table 1-1: Accident Rates Representative Accident Rates (Crashes Per Million VMT) by Type of Median Urban and Suburban Areas Median Type Total Access Points Per Mile (1) Undivided Two-Way Left-Turn Lane Non Traversable Median < > Average Rate (1) Includes both signalized and unsignalized access points. Access Management Manual 1-6 TxDOT 12/2003

10 Chapter 1 Access Management General Section 2 The Benefits of Access Management Operational Effects Frequent access connections, median openings, and closely spaced traffic signals are a recipe for congestion on major roadways (See Figure 1-3). Studies of the effects of access management on roadway operations have addressed effects of access spacing on travel time by simulating traffic performance. Collectively, these studies indicate that access management helps to maintain desired speed and reduce delays, which also reduces fuel consumption and vehicle emissions. Figure 1-3: Signal Spacing and Queuing For example, analysis based on procedures in the Highway Capacity Manual indicates that the typical reduction in free-flow speed (for one direction) is approximately 0.15 mph per access point and mph per right-turning movement per hour per mile of road. 4 Using the Highway Capacity Manual, Table 1-2 provides suggested access density adjustment factors for level of service determinations. These benefits extend not only to free-flow conditions, but to platoon flow as well. Table 1-2: Access Points and Free Flow Speed Access Points and Free Flow speed Access points per mile Reduction in free flow speed, mph or more 10 Other analyses suggest that a four lane divided major roadway with long, uniform signal spacing, directional openings between signals, and auxiliary lanes could accommodate a Access Management Manual 1-7 TxDOT 12/2003

11 Chapter 1 Access Management General Section 2 The Benefits of Access Management similar volume and similar quality of service as a six lane divided roadway having traffic signals at ¼-mile intervals, unregulated access between the signals, and no auxiliary lanes. 5 Minimizing the number of traffic signals and promoting appropriate signal spacing significantly improves travel times. Each traffic signal per mile added to a roadway reduces through travel speed about two to three mph. Table 1-3 indicates percentage increases in travel times that can be expected as signal density increases, using two traffic signals per mile as a base. For example, travel time on a segment with four signals per mile is about 16 percent greater than on a segment with two signals per mile. Table 1-3: Travel Time and Signal Density Percentage Increase in Travel Times as Signalized Density Increases Percent Increase in Travel Signals Per Mile Times (Compared with 2 Signals Per Mile) Economic Effects A safe and efficient transportation system is an important element of a vibrant economy. The quality of the transportation system affects the economy in a variety of ways: it determines how quickly goods get to market, whether an area is attractive to investors, and the size of the market area for a particular business. For real estate developers, the importance of well designed access and circulation systems cannot be overstated. The Urban Land Institute s (ULI) Shopping Center Development Handbook warns that poorly designed entrances and exits not only present a traffic hazard but also cause congestion that can create a negative image of the center. 6 The market area for a business is important to its success as well. Closely spaced or poorly designed access connections reduce average travel speeds and increase delay on the roadway. Market area analysis shows that these increases in average travel times result in longer commute times and reduce the market area for businesses. The National Highway Institute reports that inadequate access management can increase travel time and delay by as much as 40 to 60 percent. 7 Yet, even a 10 percent reduction in average travel speeds can cause a business to lose 20% of its market area. Although the average size of market area varies for different types of businesses, the proportionate reduction in market area is the same. This relationship is illustrated in Figure 1-4. Access Management Manual 1-8 TxDOT 12/2003

12 Chapter 1 Access Management General Section 2 The Benefits of Access Management Figure 1-4: Market Area, Speed Relationship 8 The appearance of a corridor and quality of access to development also impact property values and investment. Property values tend to increase rapidly during commercial development, but can decline after the corridor is built out if the character and efficiency of that corridor have been damaged in the process. This is exemplified by the growing number of older highway commercial strips across the state that are now experiencing economic decline; many such areas are the subjects of revitalization efforts that include access management strategies. Individual business owners are sometimes concerned about the potential impact of access management requirements on business activity. Studies conducted of businesses within areas where access management has been implemented show that improved driveway spacing and design, alternative access, and installation of nontraversable medians have virtually no adverse impact on business activity. For example, a study of the economic impacts of left-turn restrictions in College Station, Houston, McKinney, Longview, Wichita Falls, Odessa, Port Arthur, and Amarillo was conducted for the Texas Department of Transportation in the mid 1990s. 9 Key findings relative to access management include the following: Business owners reported no change in pass-by traffic after median installation. Most business types (including specialty retail, fast-food restaurants, and sit-down restaurants) reported increases in numbers of customers per day and gross sales. When asked what factors were important to attracting customers, business owners generally ranked accessibility to store lower than customer service, product quality, and product price, and ahead of store hours and distance to travel. Access Management Manual 1-9 TxDOT 12/2003

13 Chapter 1 Access Management General Section 2 The Benefits of Access Management A study of the effects of access management on business vitality was conducted in Before and after data were collected on a series of corridor case studies. Results indicated that: Corridors with completed access management projects performed better in terms of retail sales than the surrounding communities. Business failure rates along access managed corridors were at or below the statewide average. Close to 80 percent of businesses reported no customer complaints about access to their businesses after project completion. Over 90 percent of motorists surveyed had a favorable opinion of improvements made to roadways that involve access management. The vast majority of motorists thought that the improved roadways were safer and that traffic flow had improved. The results of these and other studies indicate that access management has little or no adverse impact on business activity. Before and after studies indicate that business owner perceptions of the potential for adverse impacts of access changes tend to be much worse than actual impacts. In addition, levels of business activity often correlate more closely with factors such as competition, the regional economy, quality of management, and other issues unrelated to property access. Access Management Manual 1-10 TxDOT 12/2003

14 Chapter 1 Access Management General Section 3 Definitions Section 3 Definitions Acceleration Lane: A speed-change lane, including tapered areas, for the purpose of enabling a vehicle entering a roadway to increase its speed to a rate at which it can more safely merge with through traffic. Access Connection: Facility for entry and/or exit such as a driveway, street, road, or highway that connects to the highways under the jurisdiction of the department or municipality. ADT: The average daily traffic volume. It represents the total two-way traffic on a roadway for some period less than a year, divided by the total number of days it represents, and includes both weekday and weekend traffic. Usually, ADT is adjusted for day of the week, seasonal variations, and/or vehicle classification. Auxiliary Lane: A lane striped for use as an acceleration lane, or deceleration lane, rightturn lane, or left-turn lane, but not for through traffic use. Connection Spacing: The distance between connections, which is measured along the edge of the traveled way from the closest edge of pavement of the first access connection to the closest edge of pavement of the second access connection. Capacity: The number of vehicles that can traverse a point or section of a lane or roadway during a set time period under prevailing roadway, traffic, and control conditions. Corner Clearance: The distance along the edge of the traveled way from the closest edge of pavement of the intersecting roadway to the closest edge of pavement of the nearest access connection. Corner Lot: A lot located at the intersection of two roadways that has frontage on each roadway. Deceleration Lane: A speed-change lane, including tapered areas, for the purpose of enabling a vehicle that is exiting a roadway to leave the travel lanes and slow to a safe exit. Department: The Texas Department of Transportation. Directional Median Opening: An opening in a nontraversable median that accommodates specific movements, such as U-turn movements and/or left-turn movements from the highway, and physically restricts other movements. Divided Highway: A highway with a median designed to separate traffic moving in opposite directions. Field Drive: A limited use driveway for the occasional/infrequent use by equipment used for the purpose of cultivating, planting, and harvesting or maintenance of agricultural land, or by equipment used for ancillary mineral production. Access Management Manual 1-11 TxDOT 12/2003

15 Chapter 1 Access Management General Section 3 Definitions Frontage Road: A local street or road along an arterial highway allowing control of access and service to adjacent areas and property. A frontage road may also be referred to as a service road. Full Median Opening: In a nontraversable median, an opening that allows all turning movements from the highway and the adjacent connection, as well as crossing movements. Functional Area (Intersection): The area of an intersection necessary to provide all required storage lengths for separate turn lanes and for through traffic plus any maneuvering distance for separate turn lanes. The functional boundary of an intersection includes more than just the physical area of the intersection. Intersection: Any at grade connection with a roadway, including two roads or a driveway and a road. Level of Service (LOS): A measure of traffic flow and congestion. As defined in the Highway Capacity Manual, it is a qualitative measure describing operational conditions within a traffic stream, generally described in terms of such factors as speed and travel time, freedom to maneuver, traffic interruptions, comfort and convenience, and safety. Limited Access Roadway: A roadway especially designed for through traffic and over, from, or to which owners or occupants of abutting land or other persons have no right or easement of access by reason of the fact that their property abuts such limited access facility or for any other reason. Interstate highways, parkways, and freeways are usually developed as limitedaccess facilities. Local Access Management Plan: A plan or guideline in a formally adopted municipality rule or ordinance that is related to the application of access management within the municipality s jurisdiction. Local Access Road: A local public street or road that is generally parallel to a highway under the jurisdiction of the Department. Access for businesses or properties located between the highway and the local access road is provided to the local access road rather than the highway. A local access road may also be called a lateral road, or reverse frontage road, depending on individual location and application. Median: That portion of a divided highway separating the opposing traffic flows. A median may be traversable or nontraversable. Median, Nontraversable: A physical barrier in a roadway or driveway that separates vehicular traffic traveling in opposite directions. Nontraversable medians include physical barriers (such as a concrete barrier, a raised concrete curb and/or island, and a grass or a swale median) that prohibit movement of traffic across the median. Median Opening Spacing: The allowable spacing between openings in a non-traversable median to allow for crossing the opposing traffic lanes in order to access property or for crossing the median to travel in the opposite direction (U-turn). The distance is measured from centerline to centerline of the openings along the traveled way. Access Management Manual 1-12 TxDOT 12/2003

16 Chapter 1 Access Management General Section 3 Definitions Median, Traversable: A median that by its design does not physically discourage vehicles from entering or crossing over it. This may include painted medians. Reverse Frontage Road: See local access road. Right of Way: A general term denoting land, property, or interest therein, usually in a strip, acquired for or devoted to transportation purposes. Service Road: See frontage road. Shared Access: A single connection serving two or more adjoining lots or parcels. Sight Distance: The distance visible to the driver of a passenger vehicle measured along the normal travel path of a roadway from a designated location and to a specified height above the roadway when the view is unobstructed by traffic. Signal: A traffic control signal. Stopping Sight Distance (SSD): The distance required by a driver of a vehicle, traveling at a given speed, to bring the vehicle to a stop after an object on the roadway becomes visible. It includes the distance traveled during driver perception-reaction time and the vehicle braking distance. Storage Lane Length: The portion of an auxiliary lane required to store the number of vehicles expected to accumulate in the lane during an average peak period. Temporary Access: Time-limited provision of direct access to a roadway. Such access must be closed when permit conditions for access removal are satisfied. Typically, such conditions relate to such time when adjacent properties develop in accordance with a joint access agreement or frontage road plan. TxDOT: Texas Department of Transportation. 1 TRB Committee on Access Management, Access Management Manual, Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C., Gluck, J., H.S. Levinson and V.G. Stover, NCHRP Report 420: Impacts of Access Management Techniques, National Cooperative Highway Research Program, Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C., National Academy Press, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Roadway Design Manual, Reilly, W., et al.,.capacity and Service Procedures for Multi-lane Rural and Suburban Highways,. Final Report NCHRP Project 3-33, JHK & Associates and Midwest Research Institute, May S/K Transportation Consultants, Inc., National Highway Institute Course No : Access Management, Location and Design, April Urban Land Institute (ULI), Shopping Center Development Handbook, Second Edition, Washington, D.C., Reilly, W., et al.,.capacity and Service Procedures for Multi-lane Rural and Suburban Highways,. Final Report NCHRP Project 3-33, JHK & Associates and Midwest Research Institute, May Stover, V. and F. Koepke, Transportation and Land Development, Institute for Transportation Engineers (ITE), 1988, Eisele, W. and W. Frawley,.A Methodology for Determining Economic Impacts of Raised Medians: Data Analysis on Additional Case Studies,. Research Report , Texas Transportation Institute, College Station, TX, October Access Management Manual 1-13 TxDOT 12/2003

20 Chapter 2 Access Management Criteria Section 1 Access Management Classification System Section 1 Access Management Classification System This section describes the Department s access management classification system and provides guidance for assigning access management criteria to state highways. The criteria in the following sections are designed to preserve highway safety and to assure that each highway s importance to statewide mobility will be considered when evaluating requests for access to a roadway under the jurisdiction of TxDOT. The number, spacing, design, and location of access connections, median openings, turn lanes, and traffic signals have a direct and often significant effect on the safety and operation of the highway. The criteria are necessary to enable the highway to continue to function efficiently and safely in the future, while at the same time providing reasonable access to development. The criteria and procedures for managing highway access differ for new highways on new alignments versus existing highways. Therefore, new highways on new alignments will be addressed separately. The access management classification systems discussed in the following sections are: New highways on new alignments Freeway mainlanes Frontage roads Other state system highways. The following sections describe application of the access criteria and the purpose, function, and access management requirements for each of these roadway classifications. Access Management Manual 2-3 TxDOT 12/2003

21 Chapter 2 Access Management Criteria Section 2 Application of Access Criteria Section 2 Application of Access Criteria Overview This section discusses the application of access connection criteria on the state highway system. The criteria are intended to provide reasonable access, while ensuring the safe and efficient operations of each roadway type. Application of the Criteria The access connection distances in the following sections are intended for application to state highways where municipalities have not been granted location permitting authority (as described in Chapter 3, Section 1). The access connection distances in the following sections are intended for passenger cars on a level grade. These distances may be increased for downgrades, truck traffic, or where otherwise indicated for the specific circumstances of the site and the roadway. In other cases, shorter distances may be appropriate to provide reasonable access, and such decisions should be based on safety and operational factors supported by an engineering study. The distance between access connections is measured along the edge of the traveled way from the closest edge of pavement of the first access connection to the closest edge of pavement of the second access connection (Refer to Figure 2-1). Figure 2-1: Access Connection Spacing Diagram Conditions for granting access to the state highway system will be stated in the access permit. Violation of the conditions under which the permit was granted, as determined by the Department, may require reevaluation of the access by TxDOT. Access Management Manual 2-4 TxDOT 12/2003

22 Chapter 2 Access Management Criteria Section 2 Application of Access Criteria Where topography or other existing conditions make it inappropriate or not feasible to conform to the connection spacing intervals, the location of reasonable access will be determined with consideration given to topography, established property ownerships, unique physical limitations, and/or physical design constraints. The selected location should serve as many properties and interests as possible to reduce the need for additional direct access to the highway. In selecting locations for full movement intersections, preference will be given to public roadways that are on local thoroughfare plans. Sale of TxDOT Controlled Access In locations where TxDOT controls the access along the state highway, a request to purchase the access must first be submitted to the local District office and then sent to the TxDOT Administration through the Design Division. If the Administration concurs with the purchase request, then the Commission will consider the sale of the access. It is important to understand that access is an interest in real property and cannot be sold without Commission approval. While the data will vary based on the individual request or location, information required for submission of a request to sell TxDOT controlled access may include: District, county, city, highway, location, and right of way points of proposed access breaks Dated chronology of correspondence, meetings, or discussion concerning the access request Participants in the request process, including city, county, developers, consultants, legal counsel, etc. Any local funding contributions (amount or percentages) Highway layout showing the proposed access site and the upstream/downstream roadway system and associated access (including roadway/driveway geometrics if applicable to resolution) Future development (both of the roadway and adjacent property) Present and future traffic volumes, including turning movements, at intersections and access points within the logical termini Any engineering studies or traffic modeling that have been completed Unified Transportation Program (UTP) status Environmental status Right of Way (ROW) status District discussion/comments on present and future impacts to the state highway system Refer to Chapter 3, Section 4 for engineering study and/or Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) discussion. Access Management Manual 2-5 TxDOT 12/2003

23 Chapter 2 Access Management Criteria Section 2 Application of Access Criteria Access Management Coordination with Municipalities Access management techniques that are tailored to a particular highway segment may be established in a corridor access management plan (refer to Chapter 3, Section 3). Also, municipalities that have location permit authority, as described in Chapter 3, Section 1, will govern access connection location decisions within their jurisdiction. Municipalities wanting this authority are encouraged to develop access management guidelines or plans for the state highway system within their jurisdiction, or adopt the Department guidelines. Granting location permit authority to municipalities does not preclude the need for engineering driveway locations. Any impacts to drainage or hydraulics on the state highway system resulting from access connections must be coordinated with TxDOT prior to any local access location approval. Issuance of access permits by a municipality must address driveway geometrics, utility location/relocation, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), environmental requirements, wetland considerations if appropriate, and all other applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Approval of Existing Access and Additional Access Requests As of the effective date of this manual, all previously permitted access will be grandfathered as accepted access. However, property owners must coordinate with the Department or the municipality responsible for access permitting prior to making any property modifications that will result in changes to the traffic patterns associated with the access. [See Chapter 2, Deviation Process (TxDOT as Permitting Authority) for additional discussion.] This paragraph will not operate to convey property rights or eliminate the need to purchase access in locations where TxDOT controls the access. In areas where local access management guidelines or plans are not in place, municipalities should contact TxDOT, prior to the approval of new developments, with respect to the state highway access that will be provided. This will enable the Department to identify any problems with the proposed access and to suggest alternatives. Early state and local coordination will also help reduce unnecessary delays in the access permitting process. In the absence of any safety or operational problems, additional access connections may be considered if the size and trip generation potential of the proposed development requires additional access in order to maintain good roadway traffic operations. Any additional access must not interfere with the location, planning, and operation of the public street system. Where the property abuts or has primary access to a lesser function road, to an internal street system, or by means of dedicated access easement, any access to the state highway will be considered as an additional access. Deviation Process (TxDOT as Permitting Authority) This deviation process applies except within the jurisdiction of municipalities that have access connection location permit authority. A spacing that is shorter than the minimum allowable, as set forth in this document, is considered a deviation from the guidelines. Deviations shall be submitted to the proper TxDOT District office for a decision. If the Access Management Manual 2-6 TxDOT 12/2003

24 Chapter 2 Access Management Criteria Section 2 Application of Access Criteria deviation is denied by TxDOT, reference can be made to dispute resolution, Chapter 3, Section 2, of this manual. It should be noted that a lesser connection spacing than set forth in this document may be allowed without deviation in the following situations: To keep from land-locking a property where such land-locking is solely the result of action by TxDOT (for example, design and construction modifications which physically prevent a driveway installation due to grade changes, retaining walls, or barrier installations) where TxDOT does not control the access; or Replacement or re-establishment of reasonable access to the state highway system under highway reconstruction/rehabilitation projects. The above references to land-locking do not apply to circumstances where an existing larger tract of land is subsequently (after the effective date of this manual) further subdivided (and the subdivided lots sold to separate owners) and the original tract of land either already has an existing permitted access connection point, or would qualify for such an access connection point based upon the spacing requirements of this manual. Potential land-locking caused by subdivision and resale is the result of such subdivision process and will not alone justify variances or deviations in the spacing requirements contained in this manual. Therefore, as part of the sibdividing process, the party proposing the subdivision (and the municipality approving such subdivisions) should require and provide some type of internal access easements to the existing access connection points (or to such access connection point locations that qualify for future permits based on this manual's spacing requirements). When a deviation is approved for an access connection spacing that is less than the given connection spacing criteria, the permit will include conditions such as the maximum permitted traffic volume to ingress and egress the property or other conditions with respect to granting the deviation. Violation of the conditions under which the deviation was granted may require reevaluation of the access permit, particularly if safety or crash records indicate deteriorated traffic safety on the abutting state highway. For municipalities that have access connection location permit authority, refer to the deviation procedures outlined in Chapter 3, Section 1. Median Openings Median treatments and other design of median openings play a critical role in the operation and safety of roadways. These design requirements are not addressed in this manual. Median design and minimum median opening spacing requirements can be found in the TxDOT Roadway Design Manual, Chapters 2 and 3. Emergency Access Direct emergency access (to be used by authorized emergency vehicles only) may be permitted if it is not feasible to provide adequate emergency access to a secondary roadway. A written explanation with references to local criteria from an appropriate government public safety official will be included with the permit application. Access Management Manual 2-7 TxDOT 12/2003

25 Chapter 2 Access Management Criteria Section 2 Application of Access Criteria Field Drives Field drives will be permitted where, in the determination of TxDOT, the field has no other reasonable access. Typically, one field drive to a property under the same ownership or controlling interest may be granted; additional field drives may be permitted if the necessity for such additional access (due to topography or ongoing agriculture activities) is demonstrated. Field drives will be kept to the minimum necessary in order to provide reasonable access. A permit for a field drive will state the conditions as to its use by agricultural equipment only. A change in the use of the property may require a reevaluation of the access permit as determined by the Department or municipality that has been granted access connection location permit authority. Access Management Manual 2-8 TxDOT 12/2003

26 Chapter 2 Access Management Criteria Section 3 New Highways on New Alignments Section 3 New Highways on New Alignments Purpose and Functional Criteria When a new highway is constructed on a new alignment, and the Commission determines that the new highway will be access controlled, direct access to the new highway will be determined prior to right-of-way acquisition and will be described in the right-of-way deeds. (For application of access connections where TxDOT controls the access, refer to Chapter 2, Section 2, Application of Access Criteria). Such new highways may initially have at-grade intersections, yet be intended for ultimate upgrade to full freeway criteria. In such cases, temporary access may be permitted where a property would otherwise be landlocked. When temporary access is permitted, the access permit will clearly state that the connection is temporary and will identify the terms and conditions of its temporary use and the conditions of the permanent access connection. The permit will also clearly state that the temporary connection will be closed and removed at such time that permanent access becomes available. Access Management Manual 2-9 TxDOT 12/2003

27 Chapter 2 Access Management Criteria Section 4 Freeway Mainlanes Section 4 Freeway Mainlanes Purpose and Functional Criteria Freeways are intended to provide a very high degree of mobility. Accordingly, freeway mainlanes provide no direct access to property and access to the freeway mainlanes is provided only at interchanges and ramps. The spacing of interchanges and ramps needs to allow entering and exiting vehicles to weave safely and to provide adequate acceleration/deceleration. The design of freeways is governed by the TxDOT Roadway Design Manual, Chapter 3. Access Management Manual 2-10 TxDOT 12/2003

28 Chapter 2 Access Management Criteria Section 5 Frontage Roads Section 5 Frontage Roads Overview This section describes the function and characteristics of freeway frontage roads, including how access connections will be applied along these frontage roads. Frontage roads are roadways that are constructed generally parallel to a freeway or other highway. Figure 2-2 shows a typical frontage road application. Freeway frontage roads normally have at-grade interchanges with the arterial streets, which are generally perpendicular to the freeway and are grade-separated from the freeway mainlanes. Under fully developed conditions, the at-grade intersections of frontage roads and arterials are typically signalized. Ramps provide connections between the frontage roads and the freeway. Traffic traveling from an arterial street to the freeway first turns from the arterial onto the frontage road and then travels along the frontage road to a freeway entrance ramp. Traffic traveling from the freeway to an arterial street leaves the freeway by means of an exit ramp that connects to the frontage road and then travels along the frontage road to its intersection with the arterial street. Other streets may also intersect with frontage roads. By means of these intersections, access is provided between the freeway system and the developments that have access onto these streets. Figure 2-2: Freeway with Frontage Roads Access Management Manual 2-11 TxDOT 12/2003

29 Chapter 2 Access Management Criteria Section 5 Frontage Roads Application of the Criteria Frontage roads may be considered in order to provide direct access to abutting property where 1) alternative access is not available and the property would otherwise be landlocked, 2) it is not feasible for the Department to purchase the access, and 3) the frontage road allows for improved mobility together with the property access. Direct access to the frontage road is prohibited in the vicinity of ramp connections, as described in the TxDOT Roadway Design Manual, Chapter 3. Otherwise, on roadways where TxDOT does not control the access, access connecting to the frontage road is typically permitted subject to the access connection criteria set forth in this manual. For application of access connections where TxDOT controls the access, refer to Chapter 2, Section 2, Application of Access Criteria. Connection Spacing Criteria for Frontage Roads Table 2-1 gives the minimum connection spacing criteria for frontage roads. However, a lesser connection spacing than set forth in this document may be allowed without deviation in the following situations: To keep from land-locking a property where such land-locking is solely the result of action by TxDOT (for example, design and construction modifications which physically prevent a driveway installation due to grade changes, retaining walls, or barrier installations) where TxDOT does not control the access; or Replacement or re-establishment of reasonable access to the state highway system under highway reconstruction/rehabilitation projects. The above references to land-locking do not apply to circumstances where an existing larger tract of land is subsequently (after the effective date of this manual) further subdivided (and the subdivided lots sold to separate owners) and the original tract of land either already has an existing permitted access connection point, or would qualify for such an access connection point based upon the spacing requirements of this manual. Potential land-locking caused by subdivision and resale is the result of such subdivision process and will not alone justify variances or deviations in the spacing requirements contained in this manual. Therefore, as part of the sibdividing process, the party proposing the subdivision (and the municipality approving such subdivisions) should require and provide some type of internal access easements to the existing access connection points (or to such access connection point locations that qualify for future permits based on this manual's spacing requirements). Access Management Manual 2-12 TxDOT 12/2003

30 Chapter 2 Access Management Criteria Section 5 Frontage Roads It should be noted that for areas with conventional diamond ramp patterns the most critical areas for operations are between the exit ramp and the arterial street and between the arterial street and the entrance ramp. In X-ramp configurations, the most critical areas are between the exit ramp and the subsequent entrance ramp. While Table 2-1 gives minimum connection spacing criteria, the critical areas with respect to the ramp pattern may need greater spacing requirements for operational, safety, and weaving efficiencies. The distance between access connections is measured along the edge of the traveled way from the closest edge of pavement of the first access connection to the closest edge of pavement of the second access connection (Refer to Figure 2-1). Additionally, the access connection spacing in the proximity of frontage road U-turn lanes will be measured from the inside edge of the U-turn lane to the closest edge of the first access connection (Refer to Figure 2-3) Figure 2-3: Frontage Road U-Turn Spacing Diagram Access Management Manual 2-13 TxDOT 12/2003

32 Chapter 2 Access Management Criteria Section 6 Other State System Highways Section 6 Other State System Highways Overview This section provides a general description of this category and discusses specific spacing requirements. This classification applies to all state highway system routes that are not new highways on new alignments, freeway mainlanes, or frontage roads. Connection Spacing Criteria Table 2-2 provides minimum connection spacing criteria for other state system highways. However, a lesser connection spacing than set forth in this document may be allowed without deviation in the following situations: To keep from land-locking a property where such land-locking is solely the result of action by TxDOT (for example, design and construction modifications which physically prevent a driveway installation due to grade changes, retaining walls, or barrier installations) where TxDOT does not control the access; or Replacement or re-establishment of reasonable access to the state highway system under highway reconstruction/rehabilitation projects. The above references to land-locking do not apply to circumstances where an existing larger tract of land is subsequently (after the effective date of this manual) further subdivided (and the subdivided lots sold to separate owners) and the original tract of land either already has an existing permitted access connection point, or would qualify for such an access connection point based upon the spacing requirements of this manual. Potential land-locking caused by subdivision and resale is the result of such subdivision process and will not alone justify variances or deviations in the spacing requirements contained in this manual. Therefore, as part of the sibdividing process, the party proposing the subdivision (and the municipality approving such subdivisions) should require and provide some type of internal access easements to the existing access connection points (or to such access connection point locations that qualify for future permits based on this manual's spacing requirements). Access Management Manual 2-15 TxDOT 12/2003

33 Chapter 2 Access Management Criteria Section 6 Other State System Highways Table 2-2 does not apply to rural highways outside of metropolitan planning organization boundaries where there is little, if any, potential for development with current ADT volumes below For those highways, access location and design will be evaluated based on safety and traffic operation considerations. Such considerations may include traffic volumes, posted speed, turning volumes, presence or absence of shoulders, and roadway geometrics. Table 2-2: Other State Highways Connection Spacing Criteria (1)( 2) (3) Other State Highways Minimum Connection Spacing Posted Speed (mph) Distance (ft) < > (1) Distances are for passenger cars on level grade. These distances may be adjusted for downgrades and/or significant truck traffic. Where present or projected traffic operations indicate specific needs, consideration may be given to intersection sight distance and operational gap acceptance measurement adjustments. (2) When these values are not attainable, refer to the deviation process as described in Chapter 3, Section 1 or Chapter 2, Section 2. (3) Access spacing values shown in this table do not apply to rural highways outside of metropolitan planning organization boundaries where there is little, if any, potential for development with current ADT levels below Access connection spacing below the values shown in this table may be approved based on safety and operational considerations as determined by TxDOT. Corner Clearance Corner clearance refers to the separation of access connections from roadway intersections. Table 2-2 provides minimum corner clearance criteria. Where adequate access connection spacing cannot be achieved, the permitting authority may allow for a lesser spacing when shared access is established with an abutting property. Where no other alternatives exist, construction of an access connection may be allowed along the property line farthest from the intersection. To provide reasonable access under these conditions but also provide the safest operation, consideration should be given to designing the driveway connection to allow only the right-in turning movement or only the right-in/right out turning movements if feasible. Access Management Manual 2-16 TxDOT 12/2003

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